Building a New Way:
One Sunday, One Conversation, at a Time
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Dear ones,
Walking through my neighborhood this morning, with the leaves falling and the frost on the windshields, I found myself grateful for a sense of assurance that our church offers. Every Sunday, I am reminded that we are a community of faith more than 160 years old. Together, our community members—past, present, and future—have weathered all kinds of storms, have celebrated all kinds of joys and mourned all kinds of sorrows. I know without a doubt that we are here for the long haul—for each other and for our larger community.
This week, the city of Minneapolis held elections and voted on three important charter amendments. Our Unitarian Universalist faith teaches us that heaven and hell are states of being that we create here on earth and that we, working collectively, are the force that can create change. The Racial Justice Resolution that our congregation unanimously approved in June communicates our commitment to creating change in this current moment, calling for an expansion of our city’s vision for public safety such that all people—especially people of color, women, and trans folx—can trust that they will be served and not harmed in times of crisis. While Charter Amendment 2, calling for an expansion of public safety, did not pass, it did receive strong support from the city community, and the collective commitment of our church—acknowledging that policing needs to change—remains strong. The assurance of our faith and the commitment of our community tells me that we are in it for the long haul. Our work is not done. We will do our part to alleviate the hell of abusive power and create the heaven of true justice here on earth.
This Sunday, our community will come together in new and old ways. Join us in person at 9 or 11 a.m. for worship and Religious Education—or join us online at 11 a.m. for worship. Pay attention to what feels right and how you want to connect, and know that it is ok to change your mind at any point, moving back and forth between in person and online participation or choosing one or the other that fits your needs best. However we connect, we are one community—one strong community of communities—building this new way together: one day, one Sunday, one conversation at a time. We are here for the long haul—for each other and for our larger community—in all the ways we can be together.
With each breath, I send you love. With each breath, I know the exchange of strength and courage we share with those who have come before us. With each breath, I trust a new way is being called into being.
Love,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Fall Back! Daylight Saving Time Ends this Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 7 at 9 & 11am
Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 7pm
Oct. 31 & Nov. 3 Recordings
Oct. 31 Cycle of Life
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News & Happenings
Photos from Our Oct. 31 Open House
Ushers and Greeters Needed
A Note About Name Tags
COVID-19 Safety Measures and Policies
New Member Class is Nov. 10
First Step Resumes In Person
First Universalist Foundation Seeks to Fill Vacancy
November Faithful Action Newsletter
Warm Clothing Needed for AFA Students
Daytime Connections Resumes
Caregivers Group Begins Nov. 14
Divorce Group begins Nov. 6
Plant-Based Potluck with the Environmental Justice Team
Report From Glasgow COP26
Ongoing Gatherings, Resources, and Information
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov 7. Don't forget to "fall back"! |
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Sunday, Nov. 7: Return to two services
In Person at 9 & 11 a.m.
Live-streamed at 11 a.m. on Zoom & YouTube
"Building a New Way"
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Karen Hutt, Franco Holder, Aimee K. Bryant, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Dr. Randy Buikema and the First Universalist Choir & Band
Join us in whatever way feels right for you this Sunday — in person at 9 or 11 a.m. or online at 11 a.m. — as we continue to build a new way of being together as a church community. The choir will sing - with some guest appearances you won't want to miss; children and youth will be with us and we'll share in a story for all ages; we'll join in meditation and prayer and care, and we'll ask each other - Can you feel a brand new day? Is today a day when you can feel it? Is today a day when you feel something else - worry or fear or sadness or grief? Is today a day the community can hold the hope of a brand new day with and for you? Does this day - like all days - hold it all?
JOIN US ONLINE:
JOIN US IN PERSON:
All are welcome to join us for worship in the sanctuary at 9 or 11 a.m. Masks are required at all times, and we ask that you try to maintain a distance of at least three feet between you and anyone not in your household. Remember to ask for consent before shaking hands or hugging. The service will also be live-streamed in the social hall, so if the sanctuary fills or if you feel uncomfortable with the number of people in the sanctuary, there is an alternative space for you to experience worship in the building.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
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Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom
We hope you'll join us for this midweek worship experience geared toward adults and older youth. This brief midweek meditative service is a time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Nov. 10 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.: Enter the Wednesday Zoom webinar here. (webinar ID: 117-312-320). To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
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THIS PAST SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY |
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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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October 31 Open House Ritual: "The Paper-Thin Veils"
Worship leaders: Franco Holder, Rev. Jen Crow, and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
On Sunday, Oct. 31, we hosted an Open House in place of our traditional hour-long service(s), offering activities as well as three short rituals in the sanctuary. We welcomed a number of you into our physical spaces for the first time since March 2020, and let Franco's 15-minute musical meditation—the centerpiece of the ritual—help ease us into the feeling of being back in the sanctuary.
For those who joined us online, we offered a special welcome from the pulpit, a video tour of our newly renovated spaces, and a time of singing with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout before bringing those watching on Zoom/YouTube into the live-streamed ritual at 11 a.m.
Listen to the service on the podcast here [welcome & musical meditation by Franco] or watch on our YouTube channel [includes the online welcome, building tour, and time of singing with Glen Thomas].
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Image description: a still image from the Oct. 31 worship recording of Rev. Jen Crow on the chancel, smiling into the camera. |
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Wednesday Worship Recording |
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November 3: Remembering the Ancestors
Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Julica Hermann de la Fuente
This week's Wednesday meditation was focused on our communal ofrenda (which we co-created at the open house on Sunday, Oct. 31), and on remembering the beloveds who are no longer with us. Though we don't usually make these Wednesday recordings available, we want to extend a broad invitation to join us across time and space as we remember those who have gone before us with song and meditation. Watch the recording here.
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Image description: a still image from the Nov. 3 worship recording of Julica facing the camera and reading from a sheet of paper, with the altar in the background. Glen Thomas is seen in profile, sitting to the side in the background and gazing upon the altar of candles, cards, photos, and colorful decorations. |
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Cycle of Life for Sunday, Oct. 31 |
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We hold Susannah Marshall and her family in our prayers this morning. Susannah’s father Ron is in the hospital with severe complications with advanced heart failure. We pray for healing for Ron and that our love and care would help to sustain them during this difficult time.
We celebrate on the dedication of Carl Tanita who was welcomed into community and dedicated in an outdoor ceremony yesterday afternoon with mother Chris Tanita, big brother Cary, and a small group of church members and friends. Carl, welcome to this church community, know that there’s a whole congregation of folk who are excited to meet you!
We rejoice with Elisabeth, Clint, Kat and Rowan on the birth of one more redeemer! Matilda Groebel joined their family in the early hours of Saturday and all are overjoyed and doing well.
If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Photos from Our October 31 Open House |
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Rev. Jen Crow and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout welcome folks in the sanctuary. |
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Board Treasurer Keven Ambrus points out something in the Social Hall while leading a tour of the newly renovated church building. |
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Julica Hermann de la Fuente, in costume as an Autumn Fairy, in front of the ofrenda. |
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A child lights a candle at the altar (ofrenda). |
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View a larger selection of photos from this past Sunday's open house here and here. |
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Can You Help Welcome Folks Back to Church? |
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As we reopen the building for two worship services—one at 9 a.m. and one at 11 a.m.—starting November 7, we know that being able to welcome each other to our renovated space and help each other get used to our new ways of being together are especially important.
Greeters and Ushers are an essential part of this. Greeters and Ushers arrive at 8:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. for a brief orientation and then space themselves around the building and sanctuary to warmly welcome all who come to worship. Especially if you are already planning on being present for in-person worship, this is a relatively easy way to help make our return to the building as smooth as possible.
Would you be willing to serve as an usher or greeter—as soon as this Sunday, Nov. 7 at either service, or any Sunday going forward? If so, please sign up and let us know when you'll be there on this sign up genius. Volunteering as a greeter before the service or usher during the service means that you get to embody our commitment to welcome and hospitality: drawing the circle wide, welcoming with open hearts and smiles, acknowledging and honoring the light within each human heart. It is just one of the ways we take responsibility and care for our community.
It is the church's policy that all lay leaders and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you'd like to welcome and haven't already shown your proof of vaccination to a staff member, please email a photo to Liz Farmer at liz@firstuniv.org or bring it on Sunday.
Thank you for considering volunteering to be part of our ministry of hospitality and welcome!
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A note from Rev. Arif Mamdani, Director of Membership & Adult Ministries
Among the many things that you might be excited about as we open the sanctuary back up for worship are name tags, right? You may have wondered, as I have too, “hey, where’d our name tags go?” So, consider this your answer on all things name tag! Here goes:
First and foremost, I have been told that we are in possession of the name tags we had pre-pandemic and that they are dirty. Really dirty. As in, “in the presence of lots of construction dust” dirty. We’re working on cleaning them but it is going to take some time. That’s how dirty they are. So, if you’re looking for your name tag from the before times, that’s what’s happening with them.
And, I also want to let you know that we will be phasing in new name tags in the near future. We’re still evaluating our options, but suffice it to say, the new name tags will be bigger! While there are many advantages to this shift, the biggest is that we just need larger name tags. The plastic ones that we had pre-pandemic were great, but they were also quite small and hard to read. Since we’re working to maintain distance between ourselves, it’s important that our name tags be readable at a greater distance.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have, and thank you!
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Masks are required in the church building and on the playground for everyone ages 2 and up (accommodation will be made for those unable to tolerate a face covering due to health condition, disability, or behavioral or developmental condition.)
- We ask that you do your best to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between you and those who are not in your household
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- If you are joining us in person, we strongly encourage but do not require vaccination for everyone who is able to be vaccinated
- We ask that you please stay home and join us online if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been notified of a recent exposure to a confirmed positive case of COVID.
- We will not be serving food or beverages on Sunday mornings
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; masked choir members will sing at some services
- Both services will be live-streamed to the social hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills
- We will not be offering childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers; they are welcome in the sanctuary, or families can watch the live-streamed service from the toddler-preschool rooms as little ones play.
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Next New Member Class is Nov. 10! |
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There’s still time to sign up for the Pathway to Membership class on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom) before our next New Member ceremony in worship on Sunday, Nov. 14!
If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, then we hope you’ll take part in Pathway to Membership. This class is for those who intend to join First Universalist Church as members.
Recently redesigned for multi-platform church, Pathway to Membership involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Learn more and register on our website.
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First Step Class Meets In Person & On Zoom |
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Have you joined us during the pandemic? Checked out our worship webinars for the last few months? Heard about us through a friend and are curious to know more? We'd love to meet you at First Step, now in person and on zoom!
Facilitated by one of our members, First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 40-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved.
First Step is a drop-in opportunity that meets in person every first and third Sunday of the month after each service (roughly 10:05 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.). On the first Sunday of the month, there's an option to join via zoom after the second service ( roughly 12:05 p.m.). If you join us in person, look for the facilitator holding a "First Step Meets Here" sign at the front of the sanctuary after the worship services. We look forward to welcoming you!
Next meeting dates:
Nov. 7: in person after both services, zoom option after second service
Nov. 21: in person after both services
Dec. 5: in person after both services, zoom option after second service
Dec. 19: in person after both services
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First Universalist Foundation
Seeks to Fill Vacancy
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The First Universalist Foundation acts as a catalyst for social change by promoting and supporting the development of emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and disenfranchised communities through monetary grants to nonprofits working in those communities.
Due to an unforeseen resignation, the Foundation Board is seeking a member to serve, which is both an honor and responsibility. The grant cycle is about to begin January 2022. Meetings are monthly. Questions or to volunteer may be directed to Foundation Board member, roberta.haskin@gmail.com or Foundation Board chair, janetmerrill@comcast.net by November 15.
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November Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our November Faithful Action Newsletter. This newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Community Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Community Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Community Partnerships on our website.
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Warm Clothing Needed for
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Students
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As winter approaches, we are seeking donations of new and gently used winter jackets for AFA students. Men’s and women’s jackets in all sizes (S, M, L, and XL) are needed; black and dark colors preferred. If used, clothing should be teen appropriate and clean and in good repair. Gloves and warm socks (new, please) are also needed; students particularly like the gloves that have touch screen capability.
Augsburg Fairview Academy(AFA) is a public charter high school located in the Phillips Neighborhood. AFA is a long standing First U Community Partner; we have supported Food and Clothing Closets at AFA for eight years.
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Daytime Connections Resumes with Nov. 18 Program: "Meet Julica" |
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Third Thursday Daytime Connections programming for older adults is set to resume next month, after being on hiatus since March 2020!
On Thursday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m., you're invited to come and meet Julica Hermann de la Fuente, our Director of Liberation and Transformation Ministries. Our racial justice work at First Universalist has been both exciting and challenging. This will be a unique opportunity to understand this work of our church more deeply and to learn how Julica's presence will shape our ongoing journey.
Daytime Connections meets in the Social Hall at church. Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m.; program begins at 10 a.m. Following the program, a soup and salad lunch will be served ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can, less if you can't. No one will be turned away for lack of funds).
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Divorce Small Group Begins Nov. 6 |
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Are you going through a divorce? Would it be helpful for you to meet with others and work through some questions to help you process and harvest the meaning out of this challenging experience? If so, this group might be just what you are looking for.
The newly formed Divorce Small Group will meet for an in-person kick off meeting Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1–4 p.m. We'll then meet virtually two to three Wednesday evenings per month through January. Sign up here.
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Caregivers Small Group Begins Nov. 14 |
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Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and sometimes unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection.
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Plant-Based Potluck
with the Environmental Justice Team
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Tuesday, Nov. 9, 5:30–7 p.m.* in the Social Hall
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to join UU friends, old and new, at a fall potluck in the beautiful newly renovated Social Hall at church. Enjoy a variety of yummy plant-based dishes while catching up and making new connections. Includes a short, compelling educational interlude about the impact of food solutions on climate warming. Sponsored by First U’s Environmental Justice “Food Solutions” team, part of a fast-growing movement of Americans (now 30 percent) eating less meat and more plant foods to reduce climate warming and improve animal and human health.
RSVP here to help us create a comfortable space for our potluck group.
*Please note the time change: this event had been previously advertised as beginning at 6 p.m., but will now begin at 5:30 p.m.
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Report from Glasgow, COP26 |
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Tuesday, Nov. 9, 7–8:30 p.m. at church
Join First U Climate Justice team members at church Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., following the Plant Based Potluck event being held in the social hall, to hear first hand reporting from the MNIPL delegation to the Glasgow COP26 Climate Conference. We will Zoom in with Julia Nerbonne, MNIPL’s executive director, and others to hear about their experience at the conference and how the world is coming together (or not) to address the climate crisis. We plan time to talk with each other afterwards to share knowledge and personal hopes for the global summit. More information about the zoom meeting we'll be participating in is available here.
Not sure you're ready for meetings in person? Join the MNIPL Zoom meeting yourself from home. Register here.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Nov. 14 & 28)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Nov. 9 & 23
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
Sunday, Dec. 5, 12:15–1:30 p.m. at church
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence, we share experiences from our practices.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Nov. 21, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
This group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. Ages 13 and older are welcome. For Zoom information and schedule please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. Contact Judy Broad at jab679@gmail.com for Zoom information.
Poetry Lovers Group
First Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. More information.
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays at 5 and 7 p.m.
Join the 5 p.m. Happy Hour here ( Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986; Password: 557571).
Join the 7 p.m. Happy Hour here ( Meeting ID: 817 4022 5684; Password: 675052).
Single and Solo Parents and Caregivers Gathering
1st & 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Contact Christy at christine.hd1@gmail.com for more information.
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
Designed for those actively working a 12-Step program and who want to explore and deepen their spirituality through Centering Prayer. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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Care Resources
Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect.
Care Companions - Care companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. They call and check-in on folks in the congregation and are here to accompany you longer term if you’re living with a chronic illness or could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion (or to become one), contact karen@firstuniv.org
Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might be? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, loss, illness or injury — and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help —please let us know. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch. We have financial resources available. Please contact a minister/staff member.
Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
To do so, fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday the week of publication. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues and policies can be found on our website.
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Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701
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